Trees Conserve Water and Reduce Soil Erosion

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Trees create organic matter on the soil surface from their leaf litter. Their roots increase soil permeability.
This results in:

• Reduced surface runoff of water from storms.
• Reduced soil erosion and sedimentation in streams.
• Increased groundwater recharge that is significantly reduced by paving.
• Lesser amounts of chemicals transported to streams.
• Reduced wind erosion of soil.

Without trees, cities would need to increase sewage and storm water drainage channels and waste treatment capacities to handle increased water runoff.

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